By Brian Freeman    |   Monday, 08 June 2026 10:04 AM EDT

Any agreement providing financial relief to Iran would likely strengthen Tehran-backed terrorist groups, retired Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer told Newsmax on Monday.

Shaffer said on ​“Wake Up America” that Iran cannot be trusted with new economic resources because of its history of supporting proxy organizations throughout the region.

“They ain’t getting a dime,” Shaffer said. “The moment they get that they will refund Hezbollah, Hamas, and [the] Houthis. We’ve seen this movie before.”

His comments came amid ongoing tensions as Israel and Iran exchanged fire overnight.

Shaffer described the recent attacks as limited compared with the large-scale ones seen during the height of the conflict but cautioned that the situation remains fragile.

“This is essentially harassing fire on both sides,” he said. “It’s not good, but it’s not the thousands of weapons in the air being thrown at each other.”

The former intelligence officer said the sporadic attacks nevertheless threaten the durability of the ceasefire.

“I think it’s something that really does put this ceasefire on edge,” Shaffer said.

Despite those concerns, Shaffer said officials he has spoken with inside the Trump administration remain confident that diplomatic efforts are moving in a positive direction and could soon produce tangible results.

“According to President [Donald] Trump and the people I’ve spoken to in the administration, things are going in the right direction,” he said. “I think we may actually be close to something that will be announced by early next week.”

Shaffer also rejected suggestions that Trump has been reluctant to use military force, arguing instead that the president has deliberately maintained U.S. military capabilities in reserve while giving negotiations an opportunity to succeed.

“Don’t believe for a minute that President Trump is holding back,” Shaffer said. “What he’s doing is holding our strength in reserve, ready to use it.”

He added that U.S. forces remain positioned to respond if necessary.

“Everything is still forward-based, ready to go,” Shaffer said. “But he really is sincere in trying to give peace a chance.”

Shaffer also said Trump has demonstrated an understanding of Iran’s history and national identity during the negotiations, describing the Iranian people as proud and strategically minded.

“I think the president, in a correct way, framed it,” Shaffer said. “They are a proud people. The Persians are very strong.”